...The Amish Instructor Bruce Carruthers ANT 101 Cultural Anthropology Aug 6, 2012 Outline I. Introduction II. History of the Amish a. School b. Church c. Rumspringa III. Social organization d. Children e. Teenage years f. Church membership IV. Beliefs and values g. Church h. Chores i. Socialization V. Kinship j. Nuclear family k. Bands l. Large families VI. Conclusion m. Summary n. Amish throughout time The Amish live a very interesting life involving very hard work and strict religious beliefs. In this essay I will first tell you about the history of the Amish, how they became the Amish we know today, and then tell you what a day in the life of an Amish person is like. I will tell you about their education, church, and the teenage Rumspringa. I will also tell you about how the Amish spend their childhood years, teenage years and when they become an official member of the church. The next subject I will cover is beliefs and values. This will then lead me into telling you about kinship. The Amish get there name from Jakob Ammann, who believed in stronger ties to the church and faster shunning in those not using the church with everyday life. The Amish also known as plane people began to come to America in the eighteenth century. Most Amish settled in Berks County...
Words: 2351 - Pages: 10
...The Amish April 30, 2012 Ant 101 There are more than 250,000 Amish in the United States and Canada, the only places they live today. Most American’s view the Amish as backwards mainly because they shun the modern conveniences that most of us take advantage of on a daily basis. The Amish have a very rigid belief system –they believe that their religious faith and the way they live is inseparable and interdependent they do not consider it to be a lifestyle choice. The Amish was originated in Europe after splitting from Mennonite Swiss Brethren in 1692 over treatment of some of their members who had been found guilty of breaches of doctrine. The first Amish arrived in Pennsylvania in 1730’s to escape persecution in Europe. The Amish believe that community is at the heart of their life and faith and that way to salvation is to live as a loving community apart from the world individualism is avoided. They believe that it is essential to keep themselves separate from the “world” so they live in their own small communities and differ from other American’s in their dress, language, work and travel and education. They are not exclusive as they do associate and have contact with outsiders-non Amish and they refer to them as “English”. Each Amish district is fully independent and lives by its own set of unwritten rules, or Ordnung. The Ordnung is a basic outline that helps define what it means to be Amish. A respected Ordnung generates peace, love, contentment, equality and unity...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...THE AMISH The Amish are a society in North America that follow a very strict interpretation of the bible, and are devout Christians. They seek to be more in tune with familial values and religion versus anything else. How they live is quite different from Western culture. Though the Amish are technically a part of Western society, the two cultures are quite diverse. They have chosen to forsake most modern conveniences for a more traditional way of life. Their primary mode of subsistence is horticulturalists and agriculturalists, because they live off of everything hand grown, whether livestock or vegetables. In this paper, we will explore the way of life for the Amish: beliefs and values, gender relation, and social organization. The Amish religion requires them to abide by the rules of their bible, just like many other religions follow the rules of their bibles as well. The Amish culture originated in the early 1600’s in Bern, Switzerland, and southwestern region of Germany. The word "Amish" comes from the name of the man who formed the sect Jakob Ammann. “Amman maintained a stricter interpretation of Anabaptist doctrine and advocated foot washing and Meidung or the strict social avoidance (shunning) of the excommunicated unfaithful. When other Anabaptist leaders refused to agree to the strict interpretation of the Miedung, Amman forced a split, in about 1693, which resulted in the creation of the Amish”(Byers, 2008). Members of the Amish sect migrated to Pennsylvania...
Words: 2392 - Pages: 10
...History Of Amish Amish history begins in the early 16th century with the Protestant Reformation. There was a widespread dissatisfaction with the traditional policies and intertwined church and government, people were looking for changes. As people started studying the scriptures of the Bible, they began to question the Catholic Church because they believe the teachings were straying away from what is in the Bible. In 1517 a priest named Martin Luther led a protest; he was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and became a leader in the Protestant Reformation. The Lutheran church helped make Protestantism a permanent part of Christianity. In 1525 a landmark took place in Amish history, in Zurich, Switzerland. A group of students and craftsmen petitioned the local church and civil authorities for change. When their appeals were rebuffed, they baptized each other in a secret meeting and the Anabaptist movement was born. Anabaptist means “re-baptize. Menno Simons was an important figure in Amish history, in the mid-1520s he began to question some of the church teachings; he decided that infant baptism was not in the Bible. Simons began to explore Swiss Brethren church. In 1535 Simon’s bother Peter along with a group of people were killed for their beliefs. Simon then cut his ties with the Catholic Church and joined the Swiss Brethren Antibaptist. Simons quickly rose to a leader of the Swiss Brethren Antibapsist. Within a decade of Simons’ baptism into the church, his followers...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...The riddle of Amish Culture Chapter 5 : 1. The ordnung regulates private , public and ceremonial life . It is an ordering of the whole way of life, a code of conduct that the church maintains by tradition rather than by systematic rules . The ordnung evolved gradually over the decades as the church sought to strike a balance between traditions and change . ( p.112 ) 2. Before Baptism , the Amish youth are under the care of their parents and the church has no power over them yet. It is a very important stage of their life because a big decision is made : Will I join the church ? in other words : am I willing to submit to the ordnung for the rest of my life ? . For many young people , the rite of Baptism is the natural climax of a process of socialization that funnels them toward the church . ( p.116-117 ) 3. From the beginning to end , the worship symbolizes waiting , unity and humility ; it is a reenactment of Gelassenheit. Obedience and humility are the key themes in the services . Ministers urge members to obey the commandments of the scripture, the vows of baptism and those in authority over them. The decon may also admonish members to be obedient to the lord. Unity is also part of the main themes of the service because at the end of the service all the members get together for lunch , it represents a fellowship gathering rather than a large fast meal . ( p.120-121 ) 4. Members of the community select adult males whom they want to see as ministers...
Words: 719 - Pages: 3
...The Amish; The plain People Candace Johnson ANT101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Instructor: Mario Tovar April 8, 2013 The Amish; The plain people We all know the Amish as a society that is rolling around in horses pulling buggies. The Amish are best known as living a quiet life. Also living a religious to the unseen and unspoken media and scenery to foreign culture. This society lives a tight ship and the children do not go past the 8th grade. This is because the parents fear the children will gain insight on modern life, leaving them wondering what the modern world is like. The Amish put a whole new meaning to horse power. For many years the Amish have been employing horse driven buggies for hundreds of years. With all of the changes that have gone on in society today the Amish are still work as hard as their forefathers did hundreds of years ago. Farms and family are a very big priority in the Amish culture second to God that is. They are very devout to the word of God and in their faith. The Amish are a culture that takes very serious to biblical commands and separate themselves from all other things in the world. They say that worldliness can keep them from being close with God and can introduce bad influences that can lead to destructive behavior to themselves and the community that they have all worked so hard to create. There is a group of elders that are called “older order.” In this group they do not permit electricity or phones in the homes they live...
Words: 2083 - Pages: 9
...Amish Tekst: 6-7 min. - I choose this topic because I think it is interesting to know how the Amish lifestyle is in proportion to our way of life. I would like to know something about what it is like to be an Amish teenager. - As a Christian group was formed in the year 1693. They are Anabaptists and believed in baptizing adults. These peoples got called Mennonites; Later gave a man, who was called Jacob Amman the Mennonites, a new name: Amish. The Amish originated from the Anabaptist movement in Switzerland. Jacob Amman was the leader for the group. They emigrate all the way from Switzerland to America. Amish people live in small communities around Canada. Today, there are many Amish people living in over twenty five American states. The most live in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Their language was called Pennsylvania. They speak English with a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch. - The Amish don’t go in wars, and use weapons. They life without electronic, I couldn’t represent a life without electronic. Well, they get more jobs, but the mobile, television and computer is too cool to be without. I couldn’t manage to be an Amish, if I should be it. It is just that simple and boring life. Just look at their boring and simple clothes. I think we had a much better life. In the Amish life they sometimes shall take the work, like their spare time. We are free, and that include both our work but also our spear time with sport and friends. They are also forced to be...
Words: 487 - Pages: 2
...Amish People The Amish people are a group of people, who are known for a very simple way of living, which means that they don’t use technology like cellphones, cars and in some very extreme cases they even choose not to use buttons in their clothes. The Amish people are mostly found in the USA and Canada. They are a group, who are deeply involved in a Christian church fellowship. The Amish People originates from Europe, but immigrated to Pennsylvania in the early 18th century. They immigrated because they were by great opposition in Europe. Their properties were taken away from them, they were tortured and even burnt alive. The most common languages within this religion are Pennsylvania Dutch, English and German. They are taught English in school, at home they speak English with a German accent, which is also called Pennsylvania Dutch and in church they speak German. The founder of the Amish beliefs was Jakob Ammann. The name “Amish” comes from his last name Ammann. He was one of the leaders of the Mennonits, and in 1690 he started the Amish religion. Rumspringa, “running around”, is an opportunity for the teenagers who belong to the Amish religion, to get out and experience the life of an ordinary teenager. They are allowed to drink, drive cars, use cellphones and so on. When Rumspringa ends, the teenager has to choose whether he or she wants to be an Amish or not. About 85% of all the teenagers choose to join the Amish. Adult baptism is a must in the Amish...
Words: 461 - Pages: 2
...I chose Amish culture from this week's readings to discussing the food or dietary beliefs and practices for the Amish culture. I have not had the pleasure to care for anyone with Amish heritage. It was very interesting reading about their dietary beliefs, and food traditions. Many Amish Americans welcome sharing food traditions. Food and meals are very important among their culture. According to Purnell, food is recognized for its nutritional value (2008, p. 85). Growing their own produce in large gardens has been a tradition for decades. They call it their connection with the earth. “They believe that God expects people to be the caretakers of the earth and to make it flourish” (Purnell, 2008, p. 85). I agree we are earth’s caretakers. They enjoy sharing a meals at social gatherings that has a significant social meaning. “Because visiting has a highly valued cultural function, occasions occur during most weeks for Amish to visit family, neighbors, and friends, especially those within their church district” (Purnell, 2008, p. 85). I respect this time of bonding with family and friends. Amish meals are usually prepared in an old-fashion traditional manner. Their kitchens have gas or wood ovens, since the Amish do not rely on electricity. “In fact, most Amish homes are not furnished with electric and electronic labor-saving devices and appliances” (Purnell, 2008, p. 75). In these Amish homes the women prepare large servings of meats, starches, and an assortment...
Words: 395 - Pages: 2
...Running head: AMISH COMMUNITY 1 Amish Community Jennie Ong AMISH COMMUNITY 2 Abstract The Amish people are a community of individuals who hold their traditions of simple living, self-labor, and isolation very highly. Eastern parts of the United States as well as Canada are the most common areas where Amish communities are established. The group originated from Switzerland and received their name from their leader Jakob Ammann who, during the 18th century, led their immigration to Pennsylvania. Despite their customary values of seclusion, the Amish still experience the equal degrees of obstacles as any other organization may face. The Amish do not have the merchandises or products of the mainstream society, but they still remain successful in preserving their culture and beliefs by continuing to live with their traditional ways. AMISH COMMUNITY 3 Amish Community In the Western parts of the United States, it is uncommon to come across a person following the Amish culture but in most parts of Eastern America such as Pennsylvania Indiana, or even Canada, it is a norm. The Amish or Amish Mennonites are a group of Anabaptist Christians known for their simplistic living, old-fashioned clothing, and their opposition to modernization such as the use of electric appliances. Also known as “The Plain People” or Old Order Amish, they originated in Switzerland...
Words: 1559 - Pages: 7
...The AMish Crystal Miller Ashford University ANT 101 Michelle Neumyer July 17, 2012 The Amish The Amish believe that Christians are to be separated from the world, physical and mentally. A landscape filled with non-merchandised farms, horse-drive buggies and plainly dressed people is the world of the Amish. The Amish and their gender relations, kinship patterns, belief and values all add to their ability to maintain a distinct lifestyle without being forced into the ways of the societies surrounding them there, their culture has not been touched by the hands of time. In the Amish society the conventional marks of modern status such as education, income, occupation and material items are missing. In the Amish’s day to day life work is highly valued. The aspects of their religion are noted in all parts of their lives. From the clothes they wear to how their homes are decorated, they follow the rules of their religion. Two key concepts of understanding Amish practices are their rejection of huchmut (pride and arrogance) and the high value they place on d emut or humility or ‘gelassenheit’ (German meaning calmness, composure, and placidity) There are estimated to be eight different orders with in the Amish population Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Andy Weaver Amish, Beachy Amish, and Swartzentruber Amish. This paper focuses primarily on Old Order Amish but mentions the other orders in small detail. Religion is the foundation of Amish culture even for their primary...
Words: 1731 - Pages: 7
...Watching the Amish ride horse drawn carriages down the road through Daviess County, Indiana, you catch a glimpse of everyday life 150 years ago. The Amish, without their electricity, smartphones, cars, and television seem to be a static culture. With such different means of living in comparison to the lives we lead, I feel the Amish very closely resemble that of a true secluded community. The strong, unique bond shared between each individual of the Amish community is special. Why study the Amish? One answer would be, of course, to learn about their seemingly pure cooperative society and value system. I wanted to gain some sort of understanding in the reasoning behind their lifestyle. With an exposition to the life of an Amish individual,...
Words: 962 - Pages: 4
...The history of the Amish began in Switzerland. Amish live in various regions of the United States, but the largest and oldest Amish settlement is in Wisconsin. Sixty- Four percent Amish in Wisconsin have dairy herds on their farms. The religion the Amish practice is Anabaptist. William Fischel (2012) explains the Amish religion by stating, “Adult baptism must be freely chosen by both men and women, and the choice is usually made in their late teens. Baptism is not just a covenant between the deity and the person who chooses it. Those who accept baptism agree to submit to the congregation’s ordinances and understandings that are collectively known as the ordnung”. (p.110) This explains how Anabaptist is different than Baptist. According to Fischel (2012), the ordnung is what states “Amish may not own automobiles but may ride in vehicles operated by a non-Amish drives” (p.110). This also helps to...
Words: 1447 - Pages: 6
...Cultural Research: The Amish Culture Nilaja Gardner ANT 101 Cultural Anthropology Prof. Bethany Heywood July 2nd, 2012 The Amish Culture Introduction The Amish people are the epitome of what one would consider plain, ordinary, boring, and prude (perhaps next to the modern day view of Muslims). Their name is often synonymous with quality furniture, crafts, and food items. Originating from Switzerland, the Amish have managed to maintain a safe distance from the rest of the world’s influence and immorality, strengthening family ties and maintaining subsistence through agrarianism. This essay serves to explore the kinship, beliefs and social organization of the Amish Culture. Agrarianism, and Freundschaft (Kinship) The Amish maintain a strong sense of community and kinship by way of agrarian lifestyle. Agriculture is a form of adherence to spiritual and manmade (Biblical and Ordung) laws that The Amish follow. Agrarianism is compatible with the doctrine of separation to the world (Hostetler, J., 1964). By isolating themselves from the city, Amish communities avoid what they believe to be sinfulness, sloth, and frivolousness. Man occupies his right place in “the garden”; the plants and animals created by God (Hostetler, J., 1964). Agrarianism separates Amish families from worldliness. By farming their own land and raising their own livestock, this creates self-sufficiency. The need to exit the community for food is alleviated. The hands-on labor creates...
Words: 1317 - Pages: 6
...Some background about Mr. and Mrs. Miller; both were raised Amish, they met when they were teens in the Amish community in Central WI. Mrs. Miller, the daughter of the bishop, and Mr. Miller the son of a Farmer. When they married, farming was what they knew and began. They have six children, three boys and three girls. Their farm is pristine and welcoming, it is the home Mrs. Miller was raised. Mrs. Miller moved to Central WI when she was nine, from Ohio. There was a split in the Amish community, because of some differences in the rules of the Church, hence her dad decided it best to leave and begin a new community. She shared about the feeling of living in a glass bowl, how she always felt watched and she could never be good enough because she was the daughter of the Bishop. She didn’t feel her parents put the expectations on her, rather more from the Amish community. This was a sensitive topic for her to discuss. She wanted to talk about it because she has felt judged and criticized by her Amish counter parts, as opposed to the majority culture. She still feels, to an extent, that she and her family are on display…even as an adult. She asked me how I deal with the expectations of others. I shared that I live before an audience of one, and my soul purpose is— in everything I do or say is to bring glory and honor to His name. That is my reminder when I feel weighted down with expectations of others, I am then reminded of my purpose; making everything...
Words: 2322 - Pages: 10
